Camp Chase Sept 15

Dear Dear Sister Don’t scold for this is the first minute that I have had to myself since we came to camp Chase. When we first came to Washington we camped on Capitol Hill about 1 mile east of the Capitol. That was a pleasant place to camp - but out Brigade had orders to march - it rained harder than you saw
it in York State we had to march about 11 miles in the rain with our napsacks [sic] on our backs besides of that we had Fifles cartridges boxes with 40 rounds in it. The whole of our equipments weighs 80 lbs I was one of the rear guards to guard The wagons so part of the time we had to go on double quick after wee [sic] got to Camp chase I hd [sic] to stand all night in the rain then was the times that my Ruber [sic] coat comes in play The boys offered $12 for it but it was worth that to me that night so I am agoing [sic] to keep it

[ page break]

we are in sight of the Sesesh [sic] camp our pickets in a Con. [sic] regt captured a Rebel spy he had a map of the whole camps around Washington but they did not do the Rebels much good he had letter to General Lee stating that whare [sic] we are. was the weakest point around Washington. now we ar 150.000 strong at this weak point. I Shall have the pleasure of seeing that spy shot. but enough about the the spy, Most camp life is the life for me it agrees with me for I was had as good health in my life I am geting [sic] as fat as a Pig. Dear sister are you getting [sic] better I felt badly that I did not See you again but I could not get away from camp has mother gone yet tell her when you write well and send her my love Give my love to Carrie

[page break]

Albert Higley was here Monday night and stayed with us he has got 9 bullets holes in his clothes and did not get a scratch he is a going to get transferred into our regt I hope he will. he told me when I rote [sic] to give you his best respects we are in Gen. Cacys [sic] Divission [sic] Gen Palls [sic] brigade Gen Cacy [sic] came to see us he says that our regt is the best Regt in the service. I think that is quite a compliment for Washington County dont [sic] you Dear sister I must bring my letter to a close. They have caled [sic] us out on Brigade drill you must= excuse my bad writing for I have not got my desk but the ground Good Bye write as soon as you get this turn over

[page break] Direct

Calvin J Parker Washington D.C. 123 regt. N.Y. S.V

Com H in care

Capt J. S. Crary